Step into Ancient Egypt at the Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt Exhibition, opening  next weekend

The much-awaited ‘Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt’ exhibition opens its doors at Experience Barnsley Museum next weekend, inviting you on an incredible journey through 5,000 years of history.   

Running from Saturday 7 March 2026 to Saturday 20 February 2027, this year-long exhibition promises an exciting opportunity to discover more about Cleopatra and other influential queens from ancient Egypt. Curated by Barnsley-born Professor Joann Fletcher, the exhibition will display objects and stories that have never been shown together before.   

Key highlights of the exhibition include the opportunity to discover 12 famous queens and women rulers from ancient Egypt alongside the goddesses they worshipped. You’ll get to see how these remarkable women inspired Cleopatra, while also taking a glimpse into Cleopatra’s life. This includes her royal ancestry, her lifestyle, relationships and public image, and the many ways this image has been reinterpreted down the centuries from Shakespeare’s play to Elizabeth Taylor’s iconic 1963 film portrayal.   

Visitors can also view spectacular ancient jewellery from the British Museum, objects from some of Egypt’s royal tombs, plus original memorabilia from the film ‘Cleopatra’ including Elizabeth Taylor’s signed photograph.   

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt is one of the many highlights in Barnsley’s cultural calendar, and I’m looking forward to seeing it launch next weekend. Whether you’re a seasoned history enthusiast or discovering the wonders of ancient Egypt for the first time, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.    

“Our exhibitions are all about bringing people together, and we’re thrilled to offer a programme that celebrates the stories of the past while inspiring curiosity and learning for visitors of all ages.”  

Professor Joann Fletcher added: “This exhibition has been a genuine labour of love and has taken several years to put together working with colleagues both in Barnsley and around the world. So, it’s wonderful to now bring it all together here in my hometown, not only to showcase some spectacular ancient artefacts but their fascinating links to Barnsley’s own special story.”   

These links include coins minted by Cleopatra and Mark Antony found in Darfield after being buried for safety almost 1,700 years ago, and artwork by Barnsley-born Egyptologist Harold Jones, a colleague of Howard Carter who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun. 

Like Jones, Carter also began his career as an artist, and his largest watercolour, portraying an Egyptian Queen, is another exhibition highlight on loan from the UK’s leading Egyptological institution the Egypt Exploration Society.  

To celebrate the opening of the exhibition, Barnsley Museums will host a family-friendly drop-in craft session on opening day, Saturday 7 March, along with a museum trail running throughout the year. Visit Experience Barnsley's What’s On page to find out more. 

A programme of exclusive events will also accompany the exhibition across the year, including guided tours, talks and hands-on activities. Details of upcoming events will be announced on the Experience Barnsley Facebook and Barnsley Museums Instagram, as well as on the Experience Barnsley website. 

Plan your visit now and be among the first to step back in time at this unique exhibition.